From San Jacinto to Salado Creek

 


Though Nicholas Mosby Dawson was not born in Texas, he is among Fayette County’s most honored Texas heroes. He and 35 of his men—those that fell near Salado Creek in the Dawson Massacre—are entombed on Monument Hill and are among those honored on Texas Heroes Day.

Dawson moved to Texas in 1834, settling in Fayette County near his cousin, William Mosby Eastland (a later victim of the Black Bean Lottery). Mosby joined the Army of Texas in January 1836 and within a week of his enlistment, Dawson was elected as second lieutenant of his company. Three months later, he and his men helped seal Texas independence in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Dawson had returned to Fayette County when he learned of Adrian Woll’s invasion and capture of San Antonio on September 11, 1842—one of several renewed attempts to harass the Texas frontier. Dawson organized a small company of 15 men and left La Grange. Recruits form neighboring counties joined Dawson’s company as they marched to San Antonio.

While attempting to join the Texas forces engaged at the Battle of Salado Creek, Dawson and his men were surrounded by an overwhelming number of Mexican cavalry. With the onset of artillery fire, Dawson realized that the situation was hopeless and raised the flag of surrender. In the fog of war, both sides continued to fire. By the end of the battle, Dawson and 35 of his company had been killed. Fifteen others were captured and only three escaped.

Today, Captain Nicholas Mosby Dawson is honored on Monument Hill, at the Fayette County Courthouse, and in Dawson County which bears his name.

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